Higashi vs Strikers – Premier section match report

Jul 28, 2015 | Premier Section | 0 comments

A sublime hat-trick from Charlie Wehan and a strike from Tyler Bagley helped Strikers earn all three points against Higashi at Castlerock. 

Higashi went close to breaking the deadlock on 8 minutes as a corner-kick was floated into the Strikers penalty area with Tommaso Covina clearing the ball of the line.

On 16 minutes, Strikers nearly went infront as Covina let fly with a 25 yard shot which cannoned off the post and to safety. Moments later, the American side were denied a penalty despite strong calls.

Despite the setback at not being awarded a penalty kick, Strikers took the lead as Charlie Wehan fired an excellent finish into the top corner following Higashi’s poor clearance from a corner-kick.

The Japanese side nearly responded almost immediately as Tomoki Kihashi’s free-kick was saved and from the resulting corner Ryo Saito had a volley expertly saved by Daniel Ziv.

The American side nearly doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time as Chris Cuyuch headed over following a flick on from Kenneth Higgins.

However, shortly into the second-half, Strikers doubled their advantage Daniel Lind closed down the Higashi goalkeeper and found Wehan who had the simple task of finding the back of the net.

It was becoming a one way assault from Strikers as Cameron Kaemerie was denied twice by Shouhei Ogata, before a third goal was scored by Tyler Bagley after he followed up on a rebound. 

However, the evening was to belong to Charlie Wehan as he sealed his hat-trick. The wide man was played through and he rounded Otaga with ease and slotted home into the bottom corner.

Higashi endured a difficult second-half but should have got on the scoresheet as a long punt down the pitch by Otaga found the run of Reiji Morita and despite rounding the Strikers ‘keeper he couldn’t manage to put the ball into the net.

Jonathan McNabb